CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR HOT MIX ASPHALT SPECIALISTS - JANUARY 2005 The purpose of this program is to develop and maintain a pool of well trained specialists for state and contract forces to design, test and manage hot mix asphalt materials. The intent of this program is to improve the quality and performance of hot mix asphalt pavements through knowledge and understanding of the product. This program will provide training /certification for at least three (3) levels of expertise in testing and evaluating hot mix asphalt. These include HMA Plant Production Specialist (Level 1-A), HMA Roadway Specialist (Level 1-B), and HMA Mix Design Specialist (Level 2). The Texas Asphalt Pavement Association (TxAPA) is responsible for the certification program at the Hot Mix Asphalt Center, or other locations as may be needed. Responsible for administering the certification programs for TxAPA, under the direction of the Technical Director. Specialists certified and approved by the Texas Asphalt Pavement Association to perform and teach all required tests. They also shall perform performance evaluations. There shall be no "Grandfathering" or "exceptions" to the certification program. When TxDOT specifications require Quality Control/Quality Assurance Testing, those specialists performing the sampling and testing must be certified. Certification may be granted only after successfully completing the requirements of this TxAPA program.

2.5.1 The Hot Mix Certification Steering Committee reserves the right to de-certify certified specialists for misconduct. Allegations of misconduct shall be made to the Hot Mix Certification Steering Committee in writing. The allegation shall contain the name, address, and signature of the individual making the allegation.

Upon receipt of the allegation an investigation shall be made. Upon completion of the investigation, the Committee shall determine the appropriate action. If the allegation appears to be warranted, the accused and the individual making the allegation shall be notified of the opportunity to appear at a Committee meeting for resolution of the allegation.

Penalties may be implemented by the Hot Mix Certification Steering Committee and may range from a reprimand to permanent revocation of the certificate. The Co-Chairs of the Hot Mix Certification Steering Committee shall notify all involved parties in writing of the findings of the Committee.

2.5.2 The three levels of misconduct are neglect, abuse and breach of trust. The definition for each level of misconduct, and the penalties, are defined as follows:

To review the certification program annually or as often as deemed necessary by the Co-Chairs of the Hot Mix Certification Steering Committee. It shall provide suggestions for modifications and improvements to the program curriculum and operation and review accusations concerning de-certification. The Hot Mix Certification Steering Committee shall perform other duties as required to successfully implement and continue the Certification Program. A meeting of the committee may be called at anytime by the Co-Chairs of the Hot Mix Certification Steering Committee or by written request of al least 3 members of the Committee. A majority of the members of the Committee shall be present for transaction of official business. The membership of the Hot Mix Certification Steering Committee shall be composed of the following: The Steering Committee for the Hot Mix Asphalt Center met on October 14, 1999 and approved the requirement that all Level IA Specialists participate each year in TxDOT's "Hot Mix Proficiency Testing Program". Participation in this proficiency testing program changed from voluntary to mandatory in 2002 in order to meet the Federal Highway Administration's requirements listed in 23CFR637 "Quality Assurance Procedures for Construction". This requirement will enhance the Certification Program. Some of the benefits of proficiency testing are, reducing variation in testing, helping identify equipment and procedural problems, and reducing the number of disputes that may arise as a result of testing variation between two or more laboratories. It is important to note that proficiency testing is not a competition. Results are compared to statewide averages not to known values. All ratings and rankings are indicators of how representative a particular laboratory is of the "average laboratory in the state".

TxDOT will typically send out the proficiency samples in January. Technicians are usually allowed about two months to perform the tests and submit their results. All Level 1-A Specialists will be required to participate each year. Level 1A Specialists that do not participate in the proficiency program will have their certifications suspended. These Specialists will not be allowed to perform QC/QA testing on any TxDOT project until they have their certification reinstated or they receive a new Level 1A Certification by successfully completing the one (1) week Training/Certification course at the Hot Mix Asphalt Center.

Individuals with suspended certifications can have their certification reinstated by performing the required proficiency tests before December 1, 2003.Once the individual performs the required tests and submits their results they will receive an amended 2003 proficiency report and a reinstatement letter from the program administrator (Gary Dolph). Beginning with the 2004 proficiency program, a $100 administrative fee will be charged to individuals who wish to have their suspended certification reinstated. This money will go toward the Texas Asphalt Pavement Association Scholarship and Education Fund. The Texas Asphalt Pavement Association will receive the $100 administrative fee before any samples will be shipped for testing for reinstatement.

If you have any specific questions about the proficiency program, please contact the program administrator, Richard Izzo at 512-506-5833.

If you have any questions about the Hot Mix Asphalt Center please call 512-312-2099.